Many people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not receive adequate information on the importance of moving to and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Diabetes Ireland has said.

According to the national charity, which offers support and education to people with diabetes and their families, a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a good diet, is essential if the condition is to be managed in the long-term.

In an effort to tackle this, the charity is launching a new initiative aimed at helping people with type 2 diabetes to make positive lifestyle changes.

It is teaming up with Healthsmart Camps, the country's first weight loss, detox and fitness holiday camps, to offer people with the condition the chance to attend a weekend diabetes camp.

The camps will focus on nutrition and exercise and will include workshops, a range of different activities to suit different fitness levels and cognitive behavioural therapy sessions.

All participants will have access to experts including personal trainers, a dietician and a psychologist.

Commenting on the camps, Diabetes Ireland health promotion officer, Dr Anna Clarke, said that they will allow people to focus on themselves, their diet and their lifestyle.

"During the stay, you will attend workshops to help change your mindset and therefore your relationship with food and exercise. You will participate in nutritional classes so you can learn to improve your food intake, get a better understanding of carbohydrates and portion control in a balanced and realistic way and enhance the daily management of your condition.

"Furthermore, every participant will go further than they thought physically possible as they are exposed to a range of activities and exercises, with a focus on programmes that are easily put into practice when they return home," she noted.

The inaugural Type 2 Diabetes Healthsmart Camp will take place on the weekend of February 27 - March 1, 2015, at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, Co Meath.

The camp is open to men and women of all ages who have type 2 diabetes, or are at risk of developing it and want to delay or prevent its onset.

To book, or for further information, click here